Build upon your achievements
The Student Academy of Excellence experience has been created to allow you to reach your full potential and differentiate you from your peers upon graduation. Participating in events exclusive to the Student Academy of Excellence will help you get the most out of your time at Griffith and increase your graduate employability.
Membership Program
In 2024, two SAE events and your choice of at least one of the Personal and Professional Effectiveness Series will enable you to fulfil the compulsory components of your SAE membership.
Registration dates and specific event invitations will be emailed to you closer to the events. Online alternatives will be available if you are unable to attend in person.
Commencing students
Participating in SAE exclusive events will help you get the most out of your time at Griffith, connect with other SAE students and increase your graduate employability.
Welcome and induction
21 and 22 February (in person)
This event is designed to assist you in your transition into university life. You will have an opportunity to learn more about the Academy, meet our senior students and get to know your fellow first years. Includes a showcase of upcoming opportunities available to SAE members.
Personal and Professional Effectiveness Series
A number of personal and professional effectiveness activities will be offered throughout the year and members must participate in at least one of their own choice.
Annual Symposium
13 August (in person)
The objective of the Symposium is to offer you a chance to explore another perspective as you are exposed to ideas and concepts which may be outside your specific study area. You will have the chance to share ideas and work with other high-achieving students.
Current students
Participating in SAE exclusive events will help you get the most out of your time at Griffith and increase your graduate employability.
O-Week for current students
1 March (in person)
An opportunity to connect with fellow SAE members and energise for the start of your academic year. Includes a showcase of upcoming opportunities available to SAE members. You will also have a chance to meet likeminded students at your choice of breakout session after the Keynote Speaker and Alumni Panel.
Personal and Professional Effectiveness Series
A number of personal and professional effectiveness activities will be offered throughout the year and members must participate in at least one of their own choice.
Annual Symposium
13 August (in person)
The objective of the Symposium is to offer you a chance to explore another perspective as you are exposed to ideas and concepts which may be outside your specific study area. You will have the chance to share ideas and work with other high-achieving students.
Are you a current member of the Student Academy of Excellence?
Join our dedicated Microsoft Teams group
Member snapshots
Caitlene Hillman
The chance to apply the knowledge gained in lectures has led Bachelor of Commerce student Caitlene to both national and international competitions. After being the Team Captain of the National Runner Up team of the 2017 CFA Institute Research Challenge, Caitlene formed the winning team for Hult Prize@Griffith and progressed through to the Regional Final in San Francisco earlier this year. The Hult Prize is an annual, year-long competition that brings together the brightest college and university students from around the globe after challenging them to solve a pressing social issue. “My experiences with the SAE have empowered me to deviate from traditional paths," she says. "For instance, my participation in the Hult Prize led me to co-found a scalable, social enterprise which leveraged biogas technologies, and subsequently pitch in front of venture capitalists and entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley.”
Matthew Sharp
Former infantry soldier Matthew Sharp has thrived at university and wants to ensure other Australian Defence Force personnel have the same opportunities. The Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice student is the founder of the Australian Student Veterans Association, a registered charity which serves as a support, advocacy and mentoring body for ex-service personnel undertaking higher education throughout Australia. Awarded a New Colombo Plan Scholarship, Matthew studied Law at the University of Hong Kong before completing a clerkship with top tier law firm King and Wood Mallesons. Following his clerkship, Matt relocated to Indonesia for six months to work for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Due to graduate soon, Matthew has been offered a graduate position at top-tier law firm Herbert Smith Freehills.
Katharina Gutjahr-Holland
When Katharina Gutjahr-Holland graduated high school, she tried her hand at university, TAFE, living abroad, and an apprenticeship. Five years later, she enrolled in Griffith's Bachelor of Health Science, citing the Honours College as a major draw card to the University. “It took some reflection on what I truly wanted, but at that point I knew I wanted a health focus for that solid, scientific foundation, but I also wanted as much flexibility as possible,” Katharina says. “I was also drawn to the awesome, familiar atmosphere on campus and the Student Academy of Excellence as I was seeking a university with a strong extracurricular program. I also joined ENACTUS, a student club for social impact and entrepreneurial action.” Katharina majors in Environmental Health and is enjoying her placements, gaining more hands-on experience for her future career.
Conor Gould
Starting a Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Government and International Relations double degree program straight from high school, like many students, Conor was unsure if he had chosen the right degree. After a successful semester, he took some time off to travel and try different things before returning to study finding his passion in the fields of innovation and entrepreneurship. Conor is the President of the Griffith University Start-Up Entrepreneurs and was recently sponsored to participate in the Venturer Program an initiative by the Qld Office of the Chief Entrepreneur that seeks to develop resilience within the Queensland start-up and innovation ecosystem. “It was inspiring getting to know the other participants and learning their stories," he says. "The group was a mix of entrepreneurs, community leaders, developers and students. Everyone had a unique and compelling reason to be passionate about innovation and it was great to share that enthusiasm.”
